Citation

Drach KM, Wientzen J, Ricci LR. Child Abuse Negl. 2001; 25(4): 489-503.

Affiliation

The Spurwing Child Abuse Program, Portland, Maine 04101, USA.

Comment In:

Child Abuse Negl. 2005 Apr;29(4):297-302; author reply 303-6

Copyright

(Copyright © 2001, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

11370722

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the utility of sexual behavior problems as a diagnostic indicator of sexual abuse. The hypothesis was that sexual behavior problems are multiply determined and consequently are variably related to sexual abuse in a clinical sample. METHOD: A sample of 247 children evaluated for sexual abuse at a multidisciplinary forensic child abuse evaluation clinic were included. Results from the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and the Child Sexual Behavior Inventory (CSBI) were analyzed and compared to the results of a structured abuse assessment performed independent of these scores. RESULTS: The forensic team assessment found evidence of sexual abuse in 25% of cases, and no evidence in 61%. Children in this sample exhibited an elevated level of both sexual and nonsexual behavior problems. However, considerable variability was noted in sexual behavior problem scores. Thus, in this study a high score or a low score had no relationship to the diagnosis of sexual abuse. Indeed, nonsexually abused children were just as likely to have high CSBI scores as sexually abused children. CONCLUSIONS: This study found no significant relationship between a diagnosis of sexual abuse and the presence or absence of sexual behavior problems in a sample of children referred for sexual abuse evaluation. The finding suggests that community professionals should use caution in relying on sexual behavior problems as a diagnostic indicator of abuse.

Language: en